Ben Bowley, managing director for Australia and New Zealand, will leave at the end of March to start his own business, according to an article in the Sydney Morning Herald . No successor has been announced, though Apple is purportedly looking at candidates inside and outside of the company.
There’s even speculation that an executive from Cupertino, California may take on the role, perhaps for a two or three year stint, the Herald reports. The company’s Australian operation reports directly to the U.S.
Bowley plans on starting a tourism venture that will involve his love of flying (he’s a pilot), according to the Herald. It will be a change of pace for the 35-year-old, as he’s worked for Apple for almost 14 years. He joined the marketing staff in December, 1989, resigned in 1995 to take a year out traveling around Australia, and was rehired in mid-1996.
Bowley leaves Apple Australia in good shape, according to the Herald. “We had a good last quarter, despite the tough trading conditions, and we have another good one coming up. The business is strong.”